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Loughborough University academic Tony Croft, Professor of Mathematics Education, has been awarded a gold medal by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).

Professor Croft received the award alongside Professor Duncan Lawson, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Newman University for their work establishingsigma – a network of support centres dedicated to helping University students develop and improve their mathematical and statistical skills.

sigma, which was originally founded in 2005, currently operates through six regional hubs to bring together all those involved in mathematics and statistics support. It helps to deliver training to new tutors.

Professor Duncan Lawson commented: “Many degree courses require students to have a level of mathematical and statistical ability beyond GCSE level; not just the obvious subjects of physical sciences and engineering but an increasingly wide array of subjects including biosciences, business, social sciences and nursing.

“Tony and I founded sigma initially as a collaboration between Coventry (where I was then based) and Loughborough Universities as part of the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning scheme.”

Professor Tony Croft added: “Both Duncan and I are deeply honoured and humbled to be awarded these prestigious Gold Medals, which have been previously given to some truly outstanding applied mathematicians.

“We are continuing to develop the sigma network to ensure students are supported to develop the essential mathematical and statistical skills they need to thrive in our universities, whatever their subject area is.”

The pair will be formally presented with their award at the IMA’s summer lecture next June.